Prestatyn Flood Defence Scheme opens, protecting coastal businesses and homes
Prestatyn Flood Defence Scheme opens, protecting coastal businesses and homes
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A major new coastal defence scheme in Prestatyn has been officially opened, offering long-term protection to thousands of homes and businesses at risk from coastal flooding and the impacts of climate change.
Delivered by Balfour Beatty on behalf of Denbighshire County Council, the scheme includes the construction of a new flood embankment set back from the existing seafront, surrounding Rhyl Golf Course and running parallel to Rhyl Coast Road. The embankment is designed to store storm surge waters and prevent them from reaching Prestatyn town centre, offering vital protection in the event of extreme weather.
The project will safeguard 2,297 homes and 86 businesses, reducing the risk posed by storm surges and rising sea levels along this vulnerable stretch of the North Wales coast.
The scheme was officially opened today by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who holds responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs. He praised the project as a proactive example of local leadership in the face of increasing climate threats.
“These works will keep people safe and benefit the community for years to come,” said Irranca-Davies. “I am keenly aware of the devastating impact flooding can have on homes, livelihoods and people’s lives. This Government is committed to delivering support on the ground that protects our communities from climate change.”
In addition to the embankment, the £26 million project includes new rock armour to protect against erosion at the western end of the site, two new outfall structures, and upgraded culverts to improve water drainage.
The Welsh Government contributed 85% (£22.2 million) of the construction cost through its Coastal Risk Management Programme (CRMP), with Denbighshire County Council providing the remaining 15%. The government also fully funded the £1.75 million development phase of the scheme.
Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport at Denbighshire County Council, reflected on the personal and community significance of the scheme.
“This work is particularly close to my heart, having witnessed the devastation of the 2013 coastal flooding in Rhyl. Residents still tell me how grateful they are to finally sleep at night without the fear of their homes flooding,” he said.
Beyond flood protection, the project delivered wider community and environmental benefits:
- 85% of employment during construction was sourced within 40 miles of the site.
- 99% of subcontractor spend stayed local.
- The scheme created eight new jobs and provided 190+ days of work experience for local people.
- More than 110 students engaged with the project through curriculum-based activities.
- 80% of rock materials and 99% of construction waste were locally sourced or diverted from landfill, minimising environmental impact.
The Prestatyn scheme forms part of the Welsh Government’s £291 million Coastal Risk Management Programme, which aims to protect around 14,000 properties across Wales through 15 separate projects.
